China's economic growth accelerated in the three months to the end of September 2026, reaching 4.5%. This rebound from a three-year low was largely attributed to a boom in artificial intelligence (AI) related exports.
The world's second-largest economy saw its growth rise from 4.3% in the previous quarter, though it remained below the 5% expansion recorded earlier in the year. This latest figure sits at the bottom end of Beijing's annual growth target of 4.5%-5%.
Exports have played a crucial role in offsetting weak domestic spending, with global demand for computer chips and other AI components driving growth. This has helped to ease pressure on Beijing amid sluggish domestic consumption, a prolonged property slump, weak wage growth, and high youth unemployment.
China's trade surplus is on track to surpass last year's record of $1.2tn (£900bn) as exports climb. However, the economic outlook is clouded by global trade tensions and uncertainties surrounding the profitability of significant AI investments.